Sure-fire picks – Week 17

Another 4-4 week for the Sure-fire picks makes reaching .500 before the playoffs virtually impossible with a 58-66-2 record. It’s worth a shot.

Miami at New England (-5), 1 p.m. Sunday

Can these two help lead the Fins past the Patriots' backups? Probably not.

With everything clinched, how long will Hoodie keep his starters in on a potentially rainy day? Probably long enough to beat the Dolphins, who have been putrid lately. Patriots -5.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-8), 1 p.m. Sunday

The Bucs need this much worse than the Saints. Sure the Saints have an outside shot at homefield advantage, but the Panthers would have to beat the Falcons. Does anyone – let alone the Saints – really believe that’s a possibility? Bucs +8.

Minnesota at Detroit (-3), 1 p.m. Sunday

It looks like Brett Favre is finally, finally done and so is the train wreck of a season the Vikings have had this season. The Lions can finish the season on a three-game win streak. Lions -3.

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets (-1), 1 p.m. Sunday

With the Jets resting some starters late and possibly playing without both starting cornerbacks, the Bills should be able to finish the season on a strong note. Bills +1.

Oakland at Kansas City (-3.5), 1 p.m. Sunday

Finishing 8-8 would be a big step in the right direction for the Raiders. With the division crown locked up, the Chiefs may not want this one quite as badly. Raiders +3.5.

N.Y. Giants (-4) at Washington, 4:15 p.m. Sunday

The Giants may very well miss the playoffs this season, but they won’t let it happen at the hands of the Redskins. This is the week that Rex Grossman has that signature Rex Grossman performance we’ve been waiting for. Giants -4.

Chicago at Green Bay (-9.5), 4:15 p.m. Sunday

It looks like the Bears will be resting starters which should mean an easy win for the Packers. A curious move considering they could still claim homefield advantage. Packers -9.5.

St. Louis (-3) at Seattle, 8:20 p.m. Sunday

Incredibly, the winner of this game makes the playoffs. Both teams are bad, but the Seahawks could be the worst team in the NFL right now. Rams -3.

What thin skin you have. You have been posting these losing picks all year. For what reason? To show how little you know about the NFL? Maybe women’s volleyball is your forte. Or horseshoes. It sure ain’t pro football.